Trans-Pecos Big Buck tourney set for Nov. 29-Dec.16

VAN HORN – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Culberson County and the town of Van Horn will conduct the Trans-Pecos Big Buck Tournament from Nov. 29-Dec 16.

Lainie Koch, AgriLife Extension agent in Culberson County, said the Van Horn Convention Center at 1801 W. Broadway will serve as tournament headquarters. It will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the week except for the final day, Dec. 16, when hours will be shortened to 9 a.m.-noon.

“This year we have nine categories that include other species besides mule deer,” Koch said. “They will include two mule deer buck categories for animals taken north and south of Interstate 10, both Boone and Crockett contests; youth category for hunters 16 years old and under; and categories for the greatest antler spread, most points and heaviest dressed weight. There will also be a category for Aoudad, heaviest dressed weight javelina and heaviest dressed weight feral hog.”

Registration is $45 for adults and $25 for youth, plus an additional $15 for the feral hog and javelina competitions. Koch said a group rate, pay for four mule deer entries and get the fifth one free, is also being offered.

“Contestants should be sure they enter before hunting, since the actual time of harvest must be after the recorded official entry time and date,” Koch said.

“All trophy animals entered must be taken in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,” Koch said. “Mule deer must be taken only from West Texas in the region west of the Pecos River.

“Deer hunting creates a real economic boost to our whole region and this is our way of saying thanks to the hunting public while also providing them with some recognition. The tournament is not a fundraiser and any proceeds we glean go back to the tournament for next year.”